Prohibition

Prohibition was a nationwide ban on alcohol that was in place in the United States from 1920 to 1933 after the passage of the 18th Amendment. The policy was supported by rural Protestants and social progressives from all parties, especially the US Democratic Party. Religious uses of wine were legal in some cases, but stores were not allowed to sell wine, and the importation of wine from other countries was also outlawed. Prohibition led to an increase in violent crime across the country, with the American Mafia taking advantage of the increased demand for illegal alcohol. "Bootleggers" smuggled alcohol to secret taverns, and hidden distilleries were opened to produce more illegal alcohol for sale on the black market. The 21st Amendment was passed in 1933, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition. The government lost the tax mney that it had gained during Prohibition, contributing to the Great Depression.